The 2026 State Legislative Session is upon us.
I'd like share some specific agenda priorities expressed by the Hawai‘i Senate Majority for this session:
"The Senate will prioritize investments in workforce development initiatives that strengthen education-to-career pathways and align training with current and emerging workforce needs. These efforts include supporting education and industry partnerships, expanding career and technical education (CTE) pathways, and advancing teacher recruitment and retention programs to ensure a strong and sustainable talent pipeline across sectors."
"The Senate will also consider policies that support economic diversification, including Enterprise Zone expansion, advanced manufacturing, and technology-driven industries. The Senate will also prioritize regional economic development initiatives and small business procurement programs to foster local entrepreneurship, expand economic opportunities, and create jobs statewide." (Hawai‘i Senate Majority Outlook, 2026)
Full disclosure. There are many mentions of different objectives stated in the Hawai‘i Senate Majority Outlook, and I'm not picking on the Outlook. What I'm endeavoring to do is simply offer a bit of perspective.
As you read though this summary with language used by experienced by politicians I hope you have access to a decent translator.
Example.
"Our main objective is to mitigate the omnipresent issues our citizens must endure to live the lives they desire. Focusing on those elements that prove to be problematic barriers, it's our No. 1 priority to alleviate the increasing burdens and anxiety that our friends and families contend with every day. With your support, we're going to alleviate these challenging times and return to a day filled with positivity and progress in elevating Hawai‘i to truly be, 'The best state in the nation and the best home for our people!'"
Now, which elected official made this pronouncement?
Me.
Yup, just made it up and without a pause.
It's astounding how so much can be said without saying anything.
And we fall for it. Yes, we do.
We also fall for simply voting because of the D and sometimes R by the name of a candidate or incumbent.
Or we're a fan because we had a good time at someone's chili rice meet and greet.
If we truly listen, we can learn a great deal. And if you're still trying to sift through the malarkey (sorry Pres. Joe Biden) turn to two of the most powerful words at our disposal.
Why and How.
If a politician says something you're not sure of, use of these words until clarity emerges. Again, you'll learn a lot from their replies.
Ok, I mentioned perspective.
I've highlighted a common objective from our State Senate Majority Outlook, where there are several references to "Economic Diversification" and "Economic Opportunities".
Sounds good, right?
Well, a song in my absolute all time favorite movie, "All That Jazz", is "Everything Old is New Again".
(If you haven't seen it, "All That Jazz" won Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director and 6 other Oscars in 1980.)
Let's see if this song title applies.
"In addition to sustaining tourism, we need to nurture other activities that can be 'piggy-backed' onto it, thus broadening the industry's strength (convention, business, sports, health, and environmental tourism are some examples). At the same time, we need to diversify our economy. A strong university is crucial to this endeavor." — State Sen. Donna Ikeda.
"By creating an environment friendly to small businesses (streamlining regulations and minimizing cost of doing business), supporting our largest industry, tourism (keeping Hawai‘i beautiful, safe and accessible), and encouraging the growth of new industries (high-tech, health care, telecommunications, ocean industries, and renewable energy)". — State Sen. Matt Matsunaga.
"Hawai‘i generally needs to continue to diversify its economy and look for opportunities to Asia. We also need to look seriously at re-establishing agriculture in the areas where sugar has left. This will take investment by the private sector and some assistance from the government in the short-term." — State Sen. Brian Taniguchi.
"By creating a positive economic environment to attract more business to Hawai‘i. I am particularly committed to building partnerships between the private and public sectors to realize new and expanded business for the state." - Suzanne Chun Oakland.
These statements were made in by Democrat incumbents seeking reelection in:
1996.
That's 30 years ago.
Each session we're told the same things.
Improving education, creating affordable housing, expanding our economy, etc.
I am not a full-fledged cynic, but I understand a bit about the machinations of state government. I referred earlier about the language used by most politicians in The Big Square Building stating ... "these are the most pressing issues facing us in this session, and they will receive our undivided attention." This is the language used to placate the reader or the listener. As Bobby Ferrin once explained, "Don't Worry, Be Happy."
There was another side of the story expressed in 1996 in regard to improving the lives of citizens and businesses.
"By CUTTING TAXES, improving the business climate, eliminating special interests and rewarding individual incentives, based on what a person knows rather than who he or she knows." - Republican State Senate Candidate Sam Slom.
"We need to cut state spending to allow more resources to the private sector. The free enterprise system will create all the jobs we need. Government spending and interference create unemployment." - State Senate Libertarian Candidate Tracy Ryan.
Interestingly, Slom (R) defeated handily Ikeda (D) in one of the most notable upsets by a GOP candidate v. a Democrat incumbent. Ryan did not succeed but remained an eloquent voice opposing status quo economic policies.
Cutting taxes and cutting state spending.
Along with the annual issues facing Hawai‘i, the aforementioned concepts may get a bit of obligatory mention in the news cycle but no real substance.
Until Act 46, announced thusly when it passed:
"Big Tax Cuts Are Here. Here’s What You Need to Know.
In 2024, Hawai‘i passed the largest income tax cut in state history to help local families keep more of their hard-earned money. These tax cuts started in 2024, so you’ll see the changes when you file your taxes for 2024 in early 2025.
Starting January 2025, your paycheck will reflect these changes, meaning more take-home pay for many employees.
These changes are designed to make life more affordable for people living and working in Hawai‘i. Act 46 was a cooperative effort led by Governor Josh Green, the Hawai‘i State Legislature, and local community and tax reform advocates." (TaxCutHawaii.org)
When Act 46 was passed, there was literally cheering in the stands. Finally, tax cuts were being passed at a substantial level, and it was a fulfillment of hopes going back generations.
However, announcements have been made by the Gov. Green administration that work will have to be done with the legislature and others to mitigate any changes to Act 46 that could potentially stifle the optimism so universally expressed with its passage. There is a possibility that tax cuts will be adjusted to ensure the state can cover increased costs in other areas.
That's why it's essential that each legislative session you are informed and aware so you can determine who is speaking to you clearly and transparently instead of placating you with circuitous verbiage equivalent to a word sandwich with mayo left out in the sun.
And nobody wants that.
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